Bob the Mailman, Part 2

I wrote about our mail carrier Bob previously. He's a good guy, with a great sense of humor. If he sees us outside sometimes he brings the mail up and chats for a minute. If we hear the truck, John or I will walk out to grab the mail and say hello. In our chats we've covered local politics, parenting issues, school choice, shopping for homecoming gowns for his daughter (she graduated from KWHS this past June), and lots more.

Bob knows the girls, of course, and they think he's a celebrity when we run into him at Publix. He truly IS a local celebrity. Just ask any of the customers on the route he delivered for the last 20 or so years, or those he worked with heading up the annual food drive, and probably lots of other things that I don't even know about.

Two weeks ago Bob walked up to hand me the little note I show in the photo. He said 'I can barely talk about it....see you tomorrow.' His recent knee surgery didn't deliver as promised and Bob will be taking on a route 'up the Keys' as we say here, just a few miles out of Key West near Baby's Coffee. Less walking and less climbing in and out of the truck. Much less stress on a painful knee until he can get that straightened out with the orthopedists.

'Everybody tells me there aren't any people up the Keys. You'll only see them on Saturday,' said Bob. I told him he will be chatting up the iguanas sunning themselves along the roads, and he probably will. I'm hoping what's good for Bob's knee won't be too hard on his soul since he is the true definition of a 'people person.'

On Friday afternoon, I told the girls it was Bob the Mailman's last day so they needed to come out and say something to him. I didn't tell them what to say or coach them in any way. I think he got a little teary when he saw all four of us standing by the mail box, but I know he appreciated it. Mari said 'You're the best! Good luck!' and Josie summed it up perfectly with 'You are an EPIC mailman!'

So good luck to Bob on his new route. I'll bet it isn't too long until the iguanas start gathering when they hear the mail truck's distinctive rumble, just like we did. See you at Publix.

Weekend in Miami

This past weekend was the first time we stayed in the city of Miami, heading north from Key West for some shopping and off-island fun. We usually head to Broward County for retail therapy....Aventura, Hallandale, or Fort Lauderdale. All those stores we miss from home, in suburban areas that really could be in Maryland or any place else, except for the palm trees. This weekend gave me a little taste of the 'glitz' I often miss from traveling to large cities. We all enjoyed it.

We stayed at the Conrad hotel in Miami's financial district, a sea of high rises surrounded by Biscayne Bay. The view from our suite on the 22nd floor was amazing! It reminded me of our stay at the Conrad in Battery Park in Manhattan a few summers ago....replace the Biscayne Bay with the Hudson River, switch Goldman Sach's with Chase.

In Battery Park, there are many families living in the neighborhood high rises, so the waterfront park and local restaurants are dotted with kids. On Brickell Avenue (our address in Miami), things were definitely geared to well-heeled adults. And soccer fans. We watched Peru v Venezuela while we ate some delicious Mexican food near the hotel. On our walk back, the girls posed in front of the many 'step and repeats' (those backdrops listing sponsors of special events) in front of restaurants and bars we passed. I saw the highest heels ever on some gorgeous Latinas.....how do you walk in those things? And the valet parking (something I will never understand about South Florida) was in full swing, with the best cars placed curbside for all to see. I'm talking Rolls Royce and Maclaren.

The staff at the Conrad may have looked like the staff in New York in uniform and grace, but this hotel had a Latin flair that befits a luxury hotel in the city called 'the gateway to South America.' My girls became instant celebrities upon check in. Everyone assumes they speak Spanish (they don't.....yet!) but after the first conversation the staff was enchanted. Lots of special treatment, which they completely loved. At check out Mari told the concierge 'You did a great job and this is a WONDERFUL hotel. 'Bye!'

High rises and Biscayne Bay. That is the causeway to Key Biscayne in the background.

Square One

I never dined at Square One under the previous owners, so I can't compare the 'new' restaurant with the 'old.'  Regardless, I have become a big fan of what they are doing there right now. 

The setting is nice, to start. Square One is located in Duval Square, between Simonton and Duval streets. It is quiet, definitely away from the crowds, but with just enough bustle to feel special. Origami and New York Pasta Garden are neighbors, and all three establishments have generous outdoor seating. The inside of Square One is quite striking, but I love to dine al fresco whenever possible.

Every Wednesday through Sunday from 10 am until 3 pm is brunch. You'll find the best of both breakfast and lunch, of course, from tried-and-true favorites to some things to make your meal extra special. I'd say starting the day with a flight of crafted Bloody Mary's is pretty special. At Square One you get four - The Red (zesty with horseradish and Sriracha), The Green (tangy with tomatillo, kiwi and wasabi), The Orange (made with carrot, beet, and orange juices), and The Fisherman (clam juice, Old Bay, and white peppercorn-infused vodka).  Ending your brunch with their Coffee and Donuts dessert is just downright decadent. Dunking housemade donut holes into rich mocha pudding and whipped cream? Yes, please.

Crafted cocktails are important at Square One, so definitely spend some time with the drink menu before placing your order. Then check out the dinner menu with its unique mix of plates large and small, appetizers and entrees, a little Asian (pot stickers), French (tartines), and Italian (carpaccios). The restaurant is now under the same ownership as Banana Cafe and The Cafe, so you will see symbols identifying their classic dishes including several vegan and vegetarian choices.

Recently I celebrated my birthday there with my husband. We started with Banana Cafe's delicious French onion soup and The Cafe's outstanding  Cream of Tomato with cheddar croutons.  Next up, pork pot stickers in pineapple-hoisin sauce and the wild mushroom tartine, with a pile of delicious wild mushrooms, braised cipollini onions, fresh herbs, and fontina cheese on thick toasted bread. Next came one of the evening's small plate specials - roasted prawns in a sauce of lime juice, smoked paprika, and cherry tomatoes. Probably one of the most delicious dishes I've had in Key West. For the entree, we shared the grouper special. Impeccably fresh fish with mascarpone polenta and a flavorful sauce...just wonderful. 

No room for dessert that night, but I did want to try the house red sangria before heading home. So glad I did! The best I've ever tasted, with tiny chunks of watermelon and orange.  I look forward to going back to Square One, for more sangria and to try the rest of the interesting menu.

The roasted prawns special....so good!